CIAT is convening this meeting to discuss the design and implementation of an action plan for training in the region. The Regional Initiative is expected to be validated, and its necessary components and relevant actors identified to offer a training that will cover all aspects of seed systems. The next steps will also be determined. 

The Regional Seed SystemsTraining Initiative

In international agricultural research, learning, capacity-strengthening, and exchange of knowledge are fundamental to the delivery of international public goods, and are indispensable for those research and development (R&D) organizations who are oriented towards results.

In this context, CIAT aims to contribute to capacity-strengthening in LAC through an Regional Training Initiative that is based on the strengths of regional partners; a broad analysis of training needs and interests; and coordinated, strategic, action planning for the area. An examination of the principal demands for training showed that seed systems formed one of priority themes.

In modern agriculture, seed is not simply an input; it is also a leverage point at which to improve farming systems, and increase the quantity and levels of cropnutrition. However, many farmers, especially in Africa and LAC, still depend on traditional seed-production systems. This means that the timely production of good quality seed at the right place and price is still important for putting new varieties, developed by plant breeders, into farmers’ hands.

For more information on the overall Regional Capacity-Strengthening Initiative, visit the following link: http:/www.ciat.cgiar.org/Newsroom/Pages/regional_capacity_strengthening_platform.aspx